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Police say they arrested 12 people at the site of an illegal liquor outfit in Ville Saint-Pierre.

Authorities searched a number of apartments on Camille Street, near Saint-Pierre Avenue at 1:45 a.m.

“The illegal alcohol establishment had other illegal activities surrounding it, such as the sale of narcotics. It was one big apartment complex, but inside, many apartments were targeted by the search warrants,” said Montreal police Const. François Collard.

Police say they found methamphetamine, marijuana and liquor on the premises.

The accused face several charges, including trafficking and possession of illegal substances.

Collard says several branches of law enforcement were involved, including a tactical intervention unit, an anti-gang squad, a K-9 unit and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Immigration officials arrested some of the suspects.

Six of the suspects were released with a promise to appear in court.

One of the building's residents, Grace Philip, said police entered her apartment without presenting a warrant and handcuffed her, before later releasing her without charges. (Radio-Canada )

Police say they have visited the apartment building several times in the past and the suspects were known to them.

One of the building's residents, Grace Philip, said police entered her apartment without presenting a warrant and handcuffed her, before later releasing her without charges.

"We were relaxing and listening to music. All of a sudden there are guns in our faces and they're telling us to lay down," said Philip. "They went into my friend's house without a warrant, as well, and broke up everything in his house."

However, Const. Danny Richer said police did have warrants for all the units searched.